Lower & Upper Lid Lifts

The eyes are the window to the soul. The appearance of the eyes is the most important factor of facial beauty and facial aging. Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a corrective procedure that can reduce dark circles or “bags” under the eyes, remove excess wrinkles, and provide a more youthful appearance to the eyes. The first thing noticed about a person is their eyes. During the aging process, wrinkles, lines, and puffiness contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Because the skin around your eyes is thinner, it tends to age faster than the rest of your face. Droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes can make you appear tired, or even unwell. Eyelid surgery gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert. The blepharoplasty surgery is often performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a brow lift, fat transfer and laser resurfacing. Dr. Yannis, with his years of experience, provides individual treatment for the wants and needs of each patient.

Eyelid surgery is usually performed at our facility with local anesthesia or under oral sedation. The procedure normally takes one hour. If additional cosmetic procedures are being performed, the eyelid surgery could last longer. Upper and lower eyelid surgery may be performed at the same time; however, either can be done independently. Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural skin crease of the eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through the incision, which is closed with fine sutures thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar. The surgeon will usually work on the upper eyelids first to remove any fatty tissue and tighten loose skin. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made in an inconspicuous site inside the lower eyelid or occasionally along the margin of the lower lash line. Once excess tissue, and fat has been removed, the eyelid is carefully re-positioned back to its natural position. Typically no visible scar results from this procedure. Lower eyelids are completed next to eliminate puffiness and reduce dark circles. In some instances, laser technology may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas. Newer techniques may include BOTOX® injections to relax fine lines and wrinkles.

• Dark circles or bags under the eye.
• Excessive skin or wrinkles surrounding the eyelids
• A tired appearance or puffiness due to inherited factors
• Remove excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
• Treat loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Correct bags under the eyes
• Correct drooping of the lower eyelids

At your Initial Consultation you will be introduced to Dr. Yannis and he will explain the different options for you in detail. He will also take a complete medical history in order to evaluate your general health. Cosmetic surgery is an elective surgery and your surgeon wants to ensure that you are in the best health to undergo anesthesia and the recovery process of such surgery. Dr. Yannis requires a complete history and physical performed by your family physician that includes some lab tests to ensure that you are medically cleared to undergo anesthesia and the surgery. During a personalized consultation, you will be asked questions about your vision, tear production, use of contact lenses, and, last but not least, your expectations. The results of this examination, plus age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of visual obstruction is useful to determine the best course of treatment. Eyelid surgery does not normally reduce wrinkling around the eye area, nor does it lift a drooping brow; therefore, many patients decide to combine eyelid surgery with a forehead and/or brow lift and skin resurfacing to achieve the best overall result.

Most patients can return to near normal activity within a few days of the surgery. However, as the incisions heal, it is important to restrict activities that may put pressure on the eyes. You should avoid lifting, bending, and straining for up to two weeks. Aerobic or heavy exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks following surgery. Most patients experience little or no discomfort following eyelid surgery and find that taking a mild analgesic relieves any discomfort. We provide thorough instructions on cleaning the incisions and the application of antibiotic eye ointment, when indicated. Some swelling and bruising may develop after the procedure. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, enhances healing and relieves discomfort. As time passes, the incisions for both the upper and lower eyelids blend in with the surrounding skin and are easily camouflaged. If there are sutures used to close the incisions in the upper and lower eyelids they are removed approximately five days after surgery. The sun may darken maturing scars; therefore, sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat is recommended to protect incisions in the upper and lower eyelids as they heal. Most patients can anticipate a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes. This improved appearance is occasionally accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the eyelids that may last a few weeks or months. Bags and bulges are significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated. Some patients may actually experience slight improvement in their eyesight or peripheral vision as a result of the removal of excess skin.

At the Center for Facial Rejuvenation, we are proud to help our patients feel confident in the way they look and feel. We offer surgical cosmetic consultations for both new and existing clients with Dr. Rex Yannis, our Medical Director and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon, each Friday. In order to schedule an appointment, we will collect a $75 fee to be placed on a CFR gift card. This gift card is redeemable towards a scheduled surgery or any products and services offered at CFR. Clients who do not show up for a scheduled appointment will forfeit the gift card on file.